How to Sublimate on Cotton and Dark Colors with HTV, EasySubli, and DTV!

Instructions

Note: Before using your Cricut's Print then Cut feature, follow the steps in my calibration tutorial to ensure the best results!

STEP 1: GET OR PREPARE A SUBLIMATION DESIGN

First, download my Sublimation on Cotton PNG design files from my free resource library- it's Design #432.

There are five design files in the folder:

cotton-sublimation-designs-happy

cotton-sublimation-designs-hello-pumpkin

cotton-sublimation-designs-spooky-color

cotton-sublimation-designs-spooky

cotton-sublimation-designs-trick-or-treat

Today, I’m going to make the "Happy" PNG design using a Cricut and different combinations of materials to share the results, but you can use these steps for any of the options in the collection.

NOTE: Sublimation printing requires high-quality design files for the best results. I've used PNGs. Since we're using Cricut's Print then Cut feature, we'll upload the designs to Cricut Design Space. The software brings PNGs in very large, but it's easy to fix, I'll show you!

I'll also show you how to use my handy T-Shirt ruler guides! You can download them from my free library under Design #410. They're easy to prepare, so make a set to have on hand if you'd like.

STEP 2: UPLOAD YOUR DESIGN

If you are not sure how to upload a file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made.

For PNGs, use the same upload steps until you reach a screen with the PNG on the left.

Select "Complex" for the image type and then click "Continue" in the lower right corner.

You do not need to do anything on the next screen, so click "Apply & Continue."

For Upload Type, select "Print Then Cut" and click "Upload."

You should now see your design in your Recent Uploads. Select it and click "Add to Canvas."

The next steps depend on the tools and materials you'd like to use! I will take you through how to sublimate with Siser EasySubli and you can find variations with other HTV materials below that.

Then, we'll use sublimation spray

STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR DESIGN

SISER EASYSUBLI HTV WITH SUBLIMATION PAPER

EasySubli is HTV designed specifically to use with sublimation projects. It has a specific mask material that is like transfer tape, but it's heat-resistant, so it also keeps the vinyl in place when you tack it on.

Here is what my Happy design looks like on the Canvas.

You can zoom out to see all of the design by clicking on the minus (-) sign on the lower left.

As you can see, the design is huge. That's because of the way Design Space uploads PNGs. We need to make it fit within the Print then Cut dimensions, which are 6.75" x 9.25" as of September 2022.

To resize the design, make sure the lock icon is closed at the top. Type "6.75" in the Width (W) field under Size and press Enter. This will make the height 5.73". This will be the image we print on sublimation paper.

Next, we need to make a second layer, which we'll cut out of the EasySubli HTV. Click "Duplicate" above the Layers Panel.

Under the Operations menu's Cut options, select Basic. The shape will turn gray.

Drag it below the other image in the Layers Panel to see the final result.

Now your design layers are ready to cut!

STEP 4: CUT YOUR DESIGN

Make sure the correct machine is selected, then click "Make It" in the upper right corner.

If prompted, click "On Mat" on the pop up and click Continue.

On the Prepare screen, make sure your first mat says Print Then Cut and your second mat says Basic Cut. Check that the Material Size for your first mat is 8.5" x 11" and your second mat is the size of your EasySubli. Mine is 8.4 x 11, so I'll use the same option.

Then, select your first mat again and click the toggle under "Mirror" to make it green. That will print the image so it looks backward, but when we apply it to the surface face down, the end result will be correct.

Click Continue in the lower right.

Click the green Send to Printer button to open the Print Setup window.

Make sure your printer is listed. We don't need to add a bleed (extra design area to help with precise cutting) but make sure the slider next to "Use System Dialog" is green. Then click Print.

The print screen for your printer will appear, but it might be hidden behind Design Space. Minimize your Cricut window to see the print settings window.

Your window will look different depending on your computer and printer. Make sure your printer is listed in the window. Set the paper and print quality to the best matte options available.

Mine are Presentation Paper Matte and High Quality. Also, make sure that under Layout, "Flip Horizontally" is unchecked since we already mirrored the design.

Under Color Matching, click ColorSync and select your ICC profile.

Make sure the sublimation paper is in your printer correctly and print!

After your design has printed, set it aside until the ink is completely dry to avoid any smears during the cutting process.

See the black box around my design? This is called a registration box and is used by your Cricut machine to tell it exactly where to cut your project.

On your Make Screen, set the Print then Cut mat to "Copy Paper, 32 lb" with default pressure.

Place your printed sheet on your blue LightGrip machine mat like it is on the screen prompt. Lay a clean piece of printer paper over the top and use a brayer to adhere it well.

Remove the excess paper. Check that your Fine-Point Blade is clean and in Clamp B.

Then, load the mat with your printed sheet into the machine and press the flashing button to cut your design.

When the cut is finished, unload the mat, flip it over, and roll it back to release the paper. This helps prevent the material from curling and ripping.

For the second mat, set it to "Everyday Iron-on" with More pressure.

Place the EasySubli sheet shiny side down on a green StandardGrip machine mat. Adhere it well with the brayer.

Follow the same steps as above to cut and remove your vinyl.

STEP 5: SUBLIMATE YOUR DESIGN

Next, trim away the excess EasySubli and weed the design.

Here's what the cut pieces for my EasySubli design looks like.

Then, grab your EasySubli Mask. It is similar to transfer tape, but it's heat-resistant. Separate the mask from the backer.

I like to bend my mask with both sides up into a “taco” shape and then apply it to the vinyl from the center out. Then use the scraper to smooth out any bubbles. Set it aside for now.

Turn on your heat press and set it to the correct temperature and time. For my Autopress, that is 380° and a 10 second preheat. Lint roll your shirt to remove any debris that will interfere with the design. And since we’re working with sublimation dye, open a window and set up a fan to improve your ventilation. You don’t want to breathe in the fumes from the process!

When the machine comes to temperature, fold the shirt in half the long way and press it for 10 seconds to remove moisture and create a central crease.

Open the shirt and slide a piece of clean white cardstock inside to prevent ink bleed through at the design's sides.

Then- if you're using one- line up the correct T-Shirt Ruler Guide's center line on the crease. Now your design will be placed in the standard spot for a t-shirt of this size and style.

Use the mask to peel the EasySubli from its backer. Then, use the guide to add the vinyl to the shirt, with the mask facing up.

Remove the guide and cover the whole area with clean butcher paper.

Heat the design for 5 seconds to tack on the EasySubli.

Remove the butcher paper and let the design cool slightly. Peel up the mask sheet while it's still warm.

Next, place your print face down on top of the EasySubli and use heat resistant tape to secure it. Make sure the edges match!

Place clean butcher paper on top of the whole area.

Heat the design at 380° for 40 seconds.

Remove the butcher paper, then let the design cool to avoid ghosting. Remove the tape and paper to reveal your design!

SISER HOLOGRAPHIC HTV WITH SUBLIMATION PAPER

This version also uses layers of sublimation paper and vinyl, with a few differences from the EasySubli process. Holographic vinyl is good for light colored shirts. It's a transparent material, so sublimating on black will result in not seeing the print.

Follow the same Steps 1, 2, and 3 to get, upload, and prepare your Print then Cut image and a Basic Cut duplicate in Design Space.

STEP 4: CUT YOUR DESIGN

Make sure the correct machine is selected, then click "Make It" in the upper right corner.


If prompted, click "On Mat" and "12 x 12" on the pop up and click Continue.


On the Prepare screen, make sure your first mat says Print Then Cut and your second mat says Basic Cut. Check that the Material Size for your first mat is 8.5" x 11" for the sublimation paper and your second mat is the size of your Siser Holographic HTV. Mine is "12 x 12."

Click the "Mirror" toggle under both mats this time.

Click back on the first mat, then click Continue.

Follow the same steps to print and cut your layers. During printing, remember to leave "flip horizontally" unchecked since we already mirrored the design. And remember to place the Siser Holographic HTV shiny side down on a green Standard machine mat.

Select Everyday Iron-on and set the pressure to More.

Remove the cut pieces from the mats as before.

STEP 5: SUBLIMATE YOUR DESIGN

Next, trim away the excess HTV and weed the design.

Here's what the cut pieces for my holographic HTV design looks like.

Turn on your heat press and set it to the correct temperature and time. For my Autopress, that is 380° and a 10 second preheat. Lint roll your shirt to remove any debris that will interfere with the design.

When the machine comes to temperature, fold the shirt in half the long way and press it for 10 seconds to remove moisture and create a central crease.

Open the shirt and slide a piece of clean white cardstock inside to prevent ink bleed through at the design's sides.

Line up the guide like before.

Use the guide to add the vinyl to the shirt, with the clear carrier facing up.

Remove the guide and cover the whole area with clean butcher paper.

Heat the design for 5 seconds to tack on the HTV.

Remove the butcher paper and let the design cool slightly. Peel up the carrier sheet while it's still warm.

Next, place your print face down on top of the HTV and use heat resistant tape to secure it. Make sure the edges match!

Place clean butcher paper on top of the whole area.

Heat the design at 380° for 40 seconds.

Remove the butcher paper, then let the design cool to avoid ghosting. Remove the tape and paper to reveal your design!

CRICUT WHITE GLITTER HTV WITH SUBLIMATION PAPER

This technique also uses layers of sublimation paper and iron-on vinyl. But since white glitter vinyl is a solid material, the printed image will show up on any color surface. The steps are the same as the Holographic Vinyl process, just use the "Glitter Iron-On" material setting for the vinyl mat.

And since we mirrored everything, remember to place the vinyl shiny side down.

The sublimation process, temperatures, and times are the same, too!

Set your heat press to 380° degrees for 10 seconds.

Use a lint roller to remove any debris on your shirt. Then fold and preheat it for 10 seconds.

Place white cardstock in between the front and back of the shirt to prevent ghosting.

Using the T-Shirt Ruler Guide, center the glitter vinyl on the shirt with the clear carrier sheet face up.

Remove the ruler and press the vinyl for 5 seconds to tack it onto the shirt.

Let the vinyl cool slightly and gently peel the carrier plastic off while it is still warm.

Place the sublimation print on top of the Glitter iron-on vinyl and secure it with heat resistant tape.

Cover your shirt with butcher paper and press it at 380° for 40 seconds.

Remove the butcher paper, then let the design cool to avoid ghosting. Remove the tape and paper to reveal your design!

CRICUT GLOW IN THE DARK HTV WITH SUBLIMATION PAPER

For a solid designs with some glow, follow the same steps for the Glitter HTV, but use the "Glow in the Dark Iron-on" setting with More pressure. Glow in the dark HTV also goes shiny side down on a green StandardGrip mat.

Prepare your shirt the same way, including the crease and the protective cardstock in the middle.

When you're ready to apply the vinyl, set your press to 380° for 10 seconds. Use the guide to place the vinyl with the carrier on top, then cover it with butcher paper and press. Gently peel the carrier plastic while it is still warm.

Place the sublimation print face down on top of the vinyl and secure it with heat resistant tape. Cover it with butcher paper and press at 380° for 60-80 seconds. Note that this is a bit longer than the other materials.

Remove the butcher paper, then let the design cool to avoid ghosting. Once it cools a bit, take off the tape and paper to reveal your design!

SUBLIMATION SPRAY

Print then Cut your design using the same steps. Sublimation spray takes the place of the HTV, so you don't need to cut a second layer.

In a well-ventilated area, protect your surface with butcher paper and lay the shirt flat, face up.

Spray an even coat of the sublimation spray over the the t-shirt.

Use the foam roller to roll over the area to spread the spray evenly.

Let the shirt air dry. When the shirt is dry, use a lint roller to remove any debris.

Heat the press to 380° and set the timer for a 10 second preheat. Place white cardstock in between the front and back of the shirt to prevent ghosting. Cover the shirt with white butcher paper. Preheat the shirt for 10 seconds. We won't crease it this time since the spray is already on the shirt.

Using the T-Shirt Ruler Guide, place the printed image face down and secure it with heat resistant tape.

Remove the guide, then cover everything with fresh butcher paper and press for 35 seconds.

Take off the butcher paper, then let it cool and remove the excess paper and tape.

VARIATION: SISER EASYCOLOR DTV

If you have a color printer but not a sublimation printer, this technique might be for you! It's special vinyl that you can print right on. Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 to prepare the Print then Cut image the same way in Design Space without creating the second vinyl layer.

STEP 4: CUT YOUR DESIGN

Make sure the correct machine is selected, then click "Make It" in the upper right corner.

If prompted, click "On Mat" and "12 x 12" on the pop up and click Continue.

On the Prepare screen, make sure your mat says Print Then Cut and that it is 8.5" x 11."

You don't need to Mirror this project.

Click Continue in the lower right.

Click the green Send to Printer button to open the Print Setup window. Make sure your printer is listed. We don't need to add a bleed (extra design area to help with precise cutting) but make sure the slider next to "Use System Dialog" is green. Then click Print.

The print screen for your printer will appear, but it might be hidden behind Design Space. Minimize your Cricut window to see the print settings window.

Your window will look different depending on your computer and printer. Make sure your printer is listed in the window. Set the paper to plain and quality to best.

The EasyColor paper has a white side and a light grey side. The white side is what you want to print on. Do not print on the grey side. Put the paper in the printer correctly.

Press Print!

Since the print comes out the the printer dry, you can place the print on a blue Light Grip Mat right away and use a brayer to adhere it. Cover it with a clean piece of paper for extra protection, it you like.

Set the Material to "Heat Transfer (non) Cricut" and the Pressure to More.

Check that your Fine-Point Blade is clean and in Clamp B.

Then, load the mat with your printed sheet into the machine and press the flashing button to cut your design.

When the cut is finished, unload the mat, flip it over, and roll it back to release the paper. This helps prevent the material from curling and ripping.

STEP 5: PRESS YOUR EASYCOLOR DTV DESIGN

Trim the excess vinyl and weed the surrounding area.

Use the taco method to place a sheet of EasySubli Mask over the design. Transfer the design to the mask with a scraper.

Set your heat press to 310° and the time to 10 seconds.

Lint roll your shirt to remove any debris.

Crease and preheat the shirt for 10 seconds.

Using the T-Shirt Ruler Guide, place the print on the shirt, with the mask on top so you can see the design.

Cover the area with butcher paper and press for 15 seconds.

Remove the butcher paper and peel the carrier sheet off immediately as, it's a hot peel material.

STEP 6: SHOW THEM OFF!

To make your shirts last, wash them inside out with cold water and tumble dry.

cotton-sublimation-designs-complete